Leadership training set for 17,754 elected local officials

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is ready to train 17,754 newly-elected and reelected local government officials on how to become effective leaders.

DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said on Monday that the agency, through its training arm Local Government Academy, will soon roll out the Newly-Elected Officials (NEO) program for both neophytes and veterans elected in the midterm polls.

“Whether you are a newbie or veteran in the local government arena, the DILG under the leadership of Secretary Eduardo Año is prepared to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills in governance to enable you to deal with the critical challenges of your office,” Malaya said in a statement.

Malaya also noted the election of some very young first-term city mayors — the likes of the 29-year-old Pasig City Mayor-elect Vico Sotto and 22-year-old Mayor-elect Arth Bryan Celeste of Alaminos City, Pangasinan.

“I know they have lots of plans for their constituents. The DILG is here to train and guide them so that they can better serve the people,” he said.

81 governors, 81 vice-governors, 780 provincial board members, 145 city mayors, 145 city vice-mayors, 1,628 city councilors, 1,489 municipal mayors, 1,489 municipal vice-mayors, and 11,916 municipal councilors were recently elected nationwide.

The NEO program is a regular program of the DILG to help newly-elected local officials to effectively fulfill their duties and responsibilities and define their development roadmap for their respective areas.

“We are just waiting for the proclamation of winners in all provinces, cities, and municipalities before we will officially commence the NEO program within this month,” said Malaya.

He added that the newly-elected leaders will also undergo training so they can align their local agenda with the national priority thrusts of the Duterte administration, including the fight against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, and violent extremism, and the advocacy drive for federalism. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)

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